The Visit - Aftermath
Tom was jittery through all the ride home. Some part of him wanted to throw out the bracelet he got from Jess - he didn’t deserve it so he shouldn’t have it. The thing was almost burning his wrist where it sat. But the bigger part of him knew that Jess would be sad if he “lost it” and that was enough argument for keeping it. He caused enough pain to the girl.
When he arrived home it was quiet. Ever was crouched in her corner watching Korean dramas and Margot pretended to sleep on the couch with an open book laying over her face. Typical picture each time he’d return home. He didn’t bother saying hello - not in the mood.
Trying to sneak back into his room, he moved quietly by the wall but of course nothing could sneak past his two caretakers.
“How did it go?” he heard Margot’s voice, muffled by the book.
“Fine.” he replied shortly, trying not to start any conversation.
“So it sucked.”
Tom stiffened and bit back on a comeback. He was not in the mood to argue with her.
“Come here.” she ordered.
The boy groaned but dragged himself to the couch.
“Sit down.”
He did that too, feeling the interrogation coming up. Suddenly there was a plate with cookies shoved at him.
“Take one.” Margot has sat up, the book now on the coffee table, and she was holding the plate.
He looked at her as if she was crazy, but he obeyed again and took one chocolate chip cookie. He stared at the treat then at Margot who had her eyebrows up waiting for him to bite it. Slowly he raised the cookie to his mouth and took a small bite to humour her. It was crunchy and the chocolate instantly melted in his mouth. It was delicious but he could make himself swallow it. He almost choked as it suddenly felt much bigger than the bite actually was, tears coming to his eyes. The cookie fell out of his hand and tears filled his eyes.
Margot sighed and picked up the cookie from the floor, placing it back on the table then took the boy’s hand who immediately hugged her so tight she felt her ribs might break.
“Easy there.” she patted him and he lessened the pressure.
And they sat there for a while, not speaking a word with just Tom sobbing over her shoulder.
“It sucked.” he finally said, his voice muffled as he spoke into her neck. “Being human sucks, why does it have to suck?”
“I don’t know kid, it’s just… being human means that you need to be ready that you will hurt or be hurt by the ones you love. And there’s nothing you can do about it. Sometimes it’s not about who’s fault it is but more of if you can survive through it and still be able to see yourself in the mirror at the end of the day.” she spoke slowly as if speaking to hurt animal.
“But what if she died? It would be as if I killed her and I wouldn’t even know it! I was so stupid! I hate this.” he sniffled.
“But she didn’t. That’s what you have to concentrate on kid. She didn’t. Does she hate you for this?”
Tom thought about the friendship bracelet. “I… I don’t think so.” he swallowed hard, trying to breathe evenly.
“Then why do you hate yourself? I mean yes, it’s good you feel guilty for hurting your friend, it actually means you care for her, but all you can do now is move on.”
He hesitated with the reply but finally said. “I need to think about it.”
“Good boy.” she patted his back.
“Margot?”
“Hmm?”
“Can I hug you bit longer?”
“Just don’t over do it kid, you’re slowly draining out my sympathy reserves for next 10 years.” she replied with dry humour.
He snorted and chuckled then sniffled.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
